CULLMAN, Ala. – Former Cullman County Commission Chairman, Republican Wiley Kitchens, has officially announced his plans to run for the position again in 2020. Kitchen served on the Cullman County Commission from 2002-2008. From 2004-2008, he was commission chairman.
Kitchens said in a statement Tuesday:
Upon leaving the office of the Cullman County Commission our county was blessed having all bills paid and a surplus of over $11.5 million. The County Commissioners’ responsibility is “to collect and distribute” tax revenues to all county departments according to their needs.
Besides roads and bridges, another very serious problem is alcohol and drug abuse. To families who are dealing with this problem, it is a very serious and devastating issue. Working on a rehab program for over 17 years, I am very much aware of this problem.
My pledge to you:
- Sit down with law enforcement, sheriff-judges-mayors and even local ministers, all with an input as to how we can deal with this problem. Regular meetings trying to help resolve this problem.
- I will work with all departments the commission funds to make sure greatly needed funds are given as much as possible to do the job and challenges we all as citizens of Cullman County have.
- Only as we unite together will we be able to accomplish this challenge.
- My goal will be to work in a united way with our commissioners to achieve our mission. We all are elected by you, the public, and all should be held accountable to you for how our tax dollars are spent.
My door will always be open to you, your phone call will be answered very courteously. Your presence will always be respected in my office.
Thank you for your vote and support.
Kitchens lives in Vinemont with his wife Irene. He has lived in Cullman County since 1972. He served in the Air Force for almost four years and is proud of his military service. He enjoys hunting and fishing but admits that hunting is difficult due to an injury he received while in the Air Force.
Kitchens laughed, “Somebody asked me, ‘What are you doing running at your age?’ I said, ‘Well, at what age do you quit caring about what’s going on?’”
Kitchens is the first to announce his candidacy for the commission chairman position currently held by Republican Kenneth Walker. The primary election will be held March 3, 2020.
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